San Pedro College Volunteers Support Provider wins TAYO 11

“Do not give because you have plenty, give because you know what it feels like to have nothing” – Neil Marion Badilles, VSP Volunteer

A lot has been featured about Araw ng Dabaw celebration in the local papers this week, but let me tell you one story which will inspire all as we continue to serve our communities here and around the City.

Ito po ay kwento ng mga ordinaryong kabataan na nakagawa ng isang ekstraordinaryong proyekto.

Selfies.  Notifications. Following.

 Ganyan na daw ang ating generation they call “me-generation” or “selfie generation.”

Maaring totoo nga pero sa isang organisasyon kagaya ng Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO), binigyang pansin at pinarangalan nito ang sampung (10) youth organizations kamakailan lamang. Winners, who received their awards in Malacañang, each received a trophy and P50,000 cash from a foundation.

TAYO is the country’s only award-giving body that recognizes and supports outstanding contributions of youth organizations in nation-building since 2002. And we are proud to announce that, the Volunteer Service Provider (VSP) of San Pedro College is one among the ten national winners.

This is something that makes each of us glad as we commemorate our city’s 77th year.   An organization/club from a Catholic school, the project DOMES came to life.

DOMES stands for Developing Ocean’s Man-made Eco-friendly Shelters.  At ito ang naghatid sa kanila upang manalo kasabay ng 285 entries across the Philippines.  Here is a short description of the project courtesy of TAYO’s FB site.

“The Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) in Davao del Norte is known for its many beautiful beaches. True enough it is a place many people go to just to go away from the city and have a good dip of the sea. Igacos is home to many residents however, and because of its geography, many of them rely on fishing for a living.

This is very true for Sitio Pigasaan, a remote coastal area in Igacos. The community has no electricity and is far from the usual places people go to. 73% of the populace depends on fishing. Due to illegal fishing practices most of the corals in this area have been destroyed.

These shelters now serve as a new ecosystem for marine life as it encourages corals to grow both inside and on them while housing fish at the same time. With the help of the Barangay, the Tribal Leader, officials of the Alternative Learning System and student Volunteers, VSP was able to raise funds to successfully implement the construction of 6 concrete domes and have them deployed to strategic locations.”

VSP President Augustine Louie Seras quips, “

More than a recognition itself, this is a constant reminder for the youth that we can all make a positive change as we fuel the spirit of humanity in this innovating world; and lastly, a strong emblem exemplifying our organization’s advocacy – For Love and Service.”

In his post, Ryan Chell Quismundo adds, “H-O-R-A-YYYYY!!! A life well-lived for others is a life worthwhile! Out 286 entries across the nation, Congratulations to my SPC Volunteer Service Provider Family being recognized as One of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines! Truly, a living epitome of love and service!  Truly, an organization and a family that molds not only minds, nor just skills, but one that shapes the hearts of its members; igniting them into flames of love and service.

Janelley comments, “VSP WON!! We are one of the top 10 Accomplished Youth Organization in the Philippines. Yaaaay. Congrats to us all VSP BODs – SPC VSP especially to Agustine Louie Seras. Loy, I’m very proud of you! Ikaw najud. KITA NAJUD!!!!

As the group’s battlecry, “Volunteering for Community Development is never an option. It is our way of life,” our salute and appreciation as you continue to help and inspire the people of Sitio Pigasaan, Brgy. Tagbay, Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal and other areas of your community extension as well.

Again, congratulation VSP!  Meron ka bang inspiring story to tell, individual or group, send that to us at desk@davaocatholicherald.com.  Follow us online:  Kwento ng Ordinaryong Tao (FB account); @ChengVilog (Twitter), and Davao Catholic Herald Official (FB Page).

‘Til next kwentuhan, higala!